Cost of Living in Franklin County, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Franklin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Franklin County ranks #1,973 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Franklin County, Massachusetts
Franklin hits Massachusetts affordability sweet spot
Franklin County renters spend 19.3% of their income on housing—matching Massachusetts' state average exactly and beating the national average. With a median household income of $72,584 and rent at $1,169 monthly, Franklin delivers solid affordability for a New England county.
Franklin holds the middle ground statewide
Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% ties Massachusetts' state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the affordability pack. Its $1,169 median rent undercuts the state median by $389, making Franklin a reasonable housing value without ranking as the state's most expensive.
Western Massachusetts affordability cluster
Franklin's $1,169 rent sits between Berkshire's bargain $1,042 and Hampshire's $1,332, reflecting western Massachusetts' generally lower housing costs. Home values of $303,400 align closely with Berkshire's ($283,800), marking this region as the state's most affordable.
Housing takes roughly one-fifth of income
Renters here allocate 19.3% of their $72,584 income to $1,169 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 22.4% to a $1,349 monthly payment on homes worth $303,400. Franklin offers balanced affordability for both renters and buyers alike.
Rural charm with reasonable housing economics
Franklin County combines western Massachusetts' natural beauty with average housing affordability—neither a bargain nor a burden. If you're relocating from Boston or the Cape, Franklin delivers real cost savings and strong community value; compare it with nearby Berkshire for an even better deal.
Cost of Living Advisory: Franklin County
Affordability Verdict
Franklin County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,169/month representing approximately 19.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 33.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,169/month rent versus $1,349/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $180/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $57,814/year. With a median household income of $72,584, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Franklin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hampden County where rent averages $1,105/month, Franklin County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Franklin County
Rent Burden
19.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,694
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.3%
of gross income
The median home in Franklin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $303,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,422 vs. your max of $1,694.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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